Sound bites
Original Sergei
South Korean scientists who have computer analysed major works by great composers have concluded that Rachmaninov was more innovative than the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. The research, which was published in EPJ Data Science, explored over 900 works written by 19 different composers between 1700 and 1910, judging their originality on the basis of their chord sequences. The findings have not met with universal agreement among experts.
Aiming high
Sheku Kanneh-mason has made history by becoming the first cellist to make it into the Top 10 of the UK pop album charts. Kannehmason’s new album of works by Elgar entered at No. 8 in the charts, where he kept close company with the likes of Stormzy and Lewis Capaldi. In doing so, it also made him the first classical musician to reach such a high position since Nigel Kennedy reached No. 3 with his recording of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons back in 1989.
A time for action
Conductor Martyn Brabbins has called for the classical music world to ‘take the bull by the horns’ in tackling a diversity problem that, he warns, currently makes it seem like ‘a closed industry’. Brabbins was talking at the launch of a scheme by English National Opera, of whom he is music director, to recruit five Black, Asian and minority ethnic string players on 12-month scholarships.
All you need is glove
Finally, Brazilian pianist João Carlos Martins is celebrating returning to the keyboard after an absence of 21 years, thanks to a scientist who has invented new ‘bionic’ gloves that enable him to play again. The neoprene-covered gloves help Martins to lift his fingers, which were damaged in a football match, after pressing down the keys.